Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1942 No. 41 captures the funeral of Alexandr Commichau, head of the Reich Labour Service, held on 5 October 1942 in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, decorated with Nazi emblems for the occassion. The deceased´s military honours are on display next to a bier with the coffin. Mourners include the widow, a little girl and State Secretary Hermann Frank. Acting Reich Protector Kurt Daluege lays down a wreath from Adolf Hitler. The funeral speech is delivered by Deputy Chief General of RAD Wilhelm Decker (silent). The procession with the coffin, which will be transported to a crematorium in Prague, moves through the Matthias Gate.
The segment captures a commemorative act for General Milan Rastislav Štefánik held in Prague on 10 May 1919. The mourning procession moves along Na Příkopě Street and through the Powder Tower gate. The procession moves on towards Old Town Square and Invalidovna. General Otakar Husák delivers a speech from the stand. The event is attended by Deputy of the Revolutionary National Assembly František Udržal and Chief of Staff of the Czechoslovak Army General Maurice Pellé.
The segment captures the funeral of the Bishop of Prague Jan Nepomuk Sedlák, held in Prague on 3 October 1930. The funeral procession with church dignitaries sets out from the Archbishop´s Palace in Hradčany towards Hradčany Square and St. Vitus Cathedral. After the funeral ceremony and requeim, the remains of the late bishop were interred at St. Matthew Cementery in Prague-Dejvice (not seen in the footage).
The first, retrospective part of this segment consists of archival images of actor and theatre director Karel Vávra cast in the role of the investigating judge in Dostoevsky´s Crime and Punishment and in a civilian photo. The second part captures the actor´s funeral in Prague on 14 April 1931. The coffin containing the body of the deceased is carried out of the building of the Vinohrady Theatre in Prague. The segment includes two overhead shots showing the large funeral procession on Peace Square.
The first, retrospective part of this segment of Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Newsreel) 1932 No. 33 captures actress Marie Hübnerová in the garden of actress Andula Sedláčková´s house in Černošice. First, Hübnerová sits at a table, smoking, and walks in the garden and then she sits at a table with actor Hugo Haas, holding Andula Sedláčková´s daughter Marcelka on her lap. This is followed by images of Hugo Haas and Anna Sedláčková taking a boat ride.The second part of the segment captures the funeral of Marie Hübnerová held in Prague on 8 August 1931. The coffin containing the body of the late actress is carried out of the building of the National Theatre. The funeral procession makes its way along the Masaryk Embankment, up Resslova Street and stops in front of the building of the Vinohrady Theatre on Peace Square.
The segment captures the funeral of YMCA Secretary James B. McCreary, who died in a tragic accident on 7 July 1919 while recording an attempt to fly under the Railway Bridge in Prague. During the attempt, the plane went off course and crashed into the boat from which McCreary was filming the event. The funeral procession of American soldiers and Czechoslovak legionnaires emerges from the building of the military hospital on Charles Square (a former Jesuit residence hall) and continues along Ječná Street. A view of the coffin draped in an American flag and a crowd of mourners in the streets of Prague´s New Town.
The segment captures the funeral of Bishop Antonín Podlaha held in Prague on 18 February 1932. The coffin with the deceased is loaded onto a horse-drawn hearse. The funeral procession with church dignitaries makes its way across Hradčany Square, the first and second courtyards of Prague Castle and then stops in the third courtyard in front of the St. Vitus Cathedral.
A segment from the Elektajournal Production Company captures the funeral of bishop Josef Gross held in Litoměřice on 24 January 1931. The funeral procession moves through the streets of Litoměřice.
The segment captures the funeral of Cardinal Karel Kašpar held in Prague on 24 April 1941. The footage begins with archival images of Karel Kašpar. This is followed by an image of the bier with a glass casket in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in the Archbishop´s Palace. Close-ups of the late Cardinal´s face and his hands holding a rosary. Hans Hermann Völckers, the head of the Reich Protector´s office, attends the funeral ceremony on behalf of Reich Protector Konstantin von Neurath. President Emil Hácha and Prime Minister of the Protectorate Government Alois Eliáš are seen by the coffin. The funeral procession sets out from the Archbishop´s Palace, continues across Hradčany Square to the Gate of Giants and towards St. Vitus Cathedral. The procession includes the Reich Protector´s Envoy Hans Hermann Völckers talking to Alois Eliáš, members of the Protectorate Government, Apostolic Nuncio Cesare Orsenigo, Cardinal of Vienna Theodor Innitzer, clergy and members of religious orders.The funeral ceremony continues in St. Vitus Cathedral, where Cardinal of Vienna Theodor Innitzer celebrates the pontifical requiem. Prime Minister Alois Eliáš is among the people present.
The segment captures the funeral of the wife of President T. G. Masaryk Ï the writer and feminist Charlotta Garrigue-Masaryk Ï held in Lány on 15 May 1923. The coffin is loaded onto a hearse in front of the Lány Chateau. The funeral procession sets out from the chateau towards the cemetery in Lány. The coffin is carried by Czechoslovak legionnaires; President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, with his children Alice, Jan and Olga Masaryk, son-in-law Henri Revilliod, Herbert Masaryk's widow Bohumila Masaryková Slavíčková, and granddaughters Anna and Herberta walk behind the coffin. The large funeral procession includes the Chief of the Czechoslovak Main Staff of the Armed Forces General Eugene Mittelhauser, Deputy of the National Assembly František Tomášek, the Senator of the National Assembly, Václav Klofáč, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edvard Beneš, Chancellor Přemysl Šámal, Minister of Health Jan Šrámek, Minister of National Defence František Udržal, Minister of Agriculture Milan Hodža, Prague Mayor Karel Baxa and Minister of Social Welfare Gustav Habrman. The segment ends with an image of the Lány cemetery.
Segment of the Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Newsreel) 1935 No. 24 captures the funeral of composer Josef Suk held in Prague on 3 June 1935. The footage opens with a photo of a bier with the coffin. The coffin with the deceased is carried out of the National Museum and transported at the front of the funeral procession across Wenceslaus Square, past the National Theatre, across Palacký Square and past Emmaus Monastery. The procession ends in front of the building of the Vyšehrad Town Hall, from where the remains were taken to Suk´s final resting place in his native Křečovice (not seen in the segment).
Segment from the weekly Deglův žurnál (Degl´s Journal) 1929 No. 16 captures the funeral of composer and Sokol bandleader Karel Pospíšil held in Prague on 10 April 1929. The funeral procession sets out from the Žižkov Sokol Hall in Husitská Street towards the ceremoial hall at Olšany Cemetary.
A segment from the Elektajournal Production Company captures the funeral of composer Leoš Janáček held in Brno on 18 August 1928. The coffin with the deceased is loaded onto the hearse in front of the Mahen Theatre. The widow, Zdenka Janáčková, walks behind the horse-drawn carriage. The funeral procession, which includes many representatives of the Sokols, ends at Brno Central Cemetery. The ceremony continues with a mass and the interment of the coffin in the grave.
The segment captures the funeral of aviation pioneer Jan Kašpar held in Pardubice on 6 March 1927. The funeral procession passes through the Green Gate on Pernštýn Square.
Short footage from the funeral of entrepreneur and head of the footwear imperium Tomáš Baťa and pilot Jindřich Brouček, who tragically died in a plane crash on 12 July 1932. On 14 July, crowds of people gather in the courtyard of the Zlín factory and look on as the plane in which Tomáš Bat´a and his pilot crashed passes by. This is followed by a speech by Jan Antonín Baťa delivered on 12 July 1933, on the first anniversary of his brother´s tragic death (original sound).
Unused footage from segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1944 No. 17 captures the funeral of composer and folklorist Karel Weis on 11 April at Malvazinky Cemetery in Prague-Smíchov. The funeral ceremony is attended by a number of church dignitaries. The segment concludes with the interment of the coffin in a grave.
Unedited film footage captures the funeral of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik held in Bratislava on 10 May 1919 and copntinued in the village of Brezová on 11 May. The funeral procession through Bratislava, which took place on 10 May 1919, sets off from the Grassalkovich Palace, the current presidential residence. The funeral ceremony continues the following day in the village of Brezová. Minister of Defence Václav Klofáč delivers a funeral speech. The event is attended by the Chief of Staff of the Czechoslovak Army General Maurice Pellé, Minister of Health Vavro Šrobár, chief commander of the Czechoslovak troops in Slovakia General Luigi Giuseppe Piccione, and other luminaries. The procession passes by General Štefánik´s birthplace, the former Protestant parish in the village of Košariská.
The segment captures the funeral of the Zborov hero, General Stanislav Čeček, held in Prague on 5 June 1930. The coffin with the deceased is transported from the Pantheon of the National Museum to the National Liberation Monument in Žižkov. The funeral procession includes not only representatives of the Czechoslovak Legions but also Prime Minister František Udržal and Minister of Supplies Rudolf Bechyně. General Rudolf Medek delivers a speech over the the late hero´s coffin (silent).
A segment from the weekly Fox Movietone News 1937 captures the funeral of Renata Tyršová, Sokol founder Jindřich Fügner´s daughter and Miroslav Tyrš´s wife held in Prague on 26 February 1937. The funeral procession comprising masses of Sokol officials comes out of the historic Sokol building in Sokolská Street and continues across Wenceslaus Square. Minister of Industry Josef Václav Najman, Senator of the National Assembly František Soukup, Minister of National Defence František Machník and Minister of Social Welfare Jaromír Nečas walk behind the coffin.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1941 No. 5A captures the funeral of inventor František Křižík held in Prague on 27 January 1941, which became a silent yet powerful expression of Czech resistance against German occupation. The coffin with the late inventor and funeral wreaths are carried out of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul at Vyšehrad. The solemn ceremony is concluded with the interment of the coffin in the national crypt at Slavín in Vyšehrad.
Segment from UFA Praha 1941 no. 2 depicts the enormous funeral of pro-German journalist Karel Lažnovský held in the Small Hall of the Crematorium of the City of Prague in Vinohrady on 16 October 1941. Lažnovský died on 10 October 1941 when he succumbed to poisoning after eating open sandwiches at a reception at the home of Prime Minister Alois Eliáš; the incident became known as the "open sandwich affair". His death was labelled a political murder by Nazi propaganda. Karl von Gregory, head of the Cultural and Political Department of the Reich Governor's Office, members of the Protectorate Government, and representatives of the Government Army and all Protectorate authorities are present among the mourners. Acting Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich places a funeral wreath by the coffin. The funeral oration is delivered by Minister of Education and People´s Enlightenment Emanuel Moravec.
Segment of the Československý zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czechoslovak Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1938 No. 3 captures the funeral of the Mayor of Prague Karel Baxa held in Prague on 8 January 1938. The coffin with the deceased, draped in the national flag, is carried out of the building of the Old Town Hall and transported in a black car for the service conducted at the Pantheon of the National Museum. This is followed by the funeral procession through Prague to the final resting place of Karel Baxa in the small hall of Strašnice Crematorium, whose construction was significantly facilitated by Karel Baxa. The segment concludes with an image of the exterior of the Strašnice Crematorium with eternal flames.
The segment captures the funeral of the Mayor of the Czechoslovak Sokol Society Josef Scheiner held in Prague on 15 January 1932. The segment starts with an image of the monument to Miroslav Tyrš and Scheiner´s funeral announcement. The funeral procession sets out from the historic Sokol building in Sokolská Street. The coffin is flanked by a Sokol guard of honour. The camera offers a close-up of the wreath from Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. The funeral procession comes out of the Sokol building in Sokolská Street and continues along Ječná, Žitná and Mezibranská Streets. After dusk, the procession moves on across Wenceslaus Square in the effective light of street lamps and burning candles.
The segment captures the state funeral of Minister of Finance Alois Rašín held in Prague on 21 February 1923. The shots of the preparations in front of the National Museum in the beginning of the segment are followed by views of the block of flats in Žitná Street in Prague´s New Town, where Rašín was assassinated on 5 January 1923. The funeral procession assembles in front of the National Museum. Funeral wreaths are carried out from the Pantheon. The coffin is loaded onto a horse-drawn hearse. The funeral procession moves across Wenceslaus Square, continues to Charles Square and Žitná Street towards the Olšany Cemetery crematorium. The streets are filled with on-lookers. The procession includes Sokols, representatives of the chimney sweep guild, scouts, Czechoslovak generals and soldiers. Minister of National Defence František Udržal, Deputy of the National Assembly František Tomášek, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edvard Beneš, Minister of Postal and Telegraph Services Alois Tučný, Minister of Social Welfare Gustav Habrman, Minister of Supplies Emil Franke, Minister of Agriculture Milan Hodža, and Deputy of the National Assembly Mořic Hruban.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1945 No. 13 captures the funeral of diplomat František Chvalkovský, who died on 25 February 1945 when hit by a ground-attack aircraft on a motorway near Berlin. The lavish funeral attended by prominent figures of public life was held in Strašnice Crematorium in Prague on 13 March 1945. Prime Minister of the Protectorate Government Richard Bienert and Reich Chancellor Augustin Popelka place a wreath from President Emil Hácha by the coffin. Karl Hermann Frank lays down a wreath from Adolf Hitler. The solemn ceremony is attended by Minister of Justice Jaroslav Krejčí, Minister of Education and National Enlightenment Emanuel Moravec and Chairman of the Supreme Administrative Court Josef Kliment. Funeral speeches are delivered by the parish priest of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, Bedřich Jerie, and Prime Minister of the Protectorate Government Richard Bienert. A guard of honour by the coffin comprises boys from the Board of Trustees for the Education of Youth in Bohemia and Moravia.
Segment of the Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Newsreel) 1932 No. 49 captures the funeral of the former Minister of National Defence Karel Viškovský held in Prague on 24 November 1932. The coffin is carried out of the building of the House of Agricultural Enlightenment in Slezská Street in Vinohrady. The funeral procession moves along Blanická and Vinohradská Streets. Deputy of the National Assembly František Staněk, Prime Minister Jan Malypetr, Senator František Soukup and Minister of National Defence Bohumír Bradáč walk behind the coffin. The procession, where a cushion with the honours and orders of the late minister is carried, stops in front of the building of the Švehla Student Residence in Slavíkova Street in Prague-Vinohrady.
The segment captures the funeral of the former Minister of Agricultural, the agrarian politician Otakar Srdínko, held in Prague on 24 December 1930. The footage starts with archival images of Otakar Srdínko delivering a speech. The funeral procession moves through Prague and stops in front of the building of the Institute of Histology and Embryology (now the Purkyně Institute) at Albertov. The mourners include Minister of Defence Karel Viškovský, Prime Minister František Udržal and the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Malypetr.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1939 No. 28B captures the funeral of opera singer Otakar Mařák held in Prague on 7 July 1939. The coffin with the late singer is carried out of the National Theater. The funeral procession sets out across Peace Square to Olšany Cemetery, where the coffin with the remains of the deceased is interred in a grave.
Segment from the weekly Deglův žurnál (Degl´s Journal) 1930 No. 7 captures the funeral of opera singer Ema Destinnová in Prague on 3 February 1930. The coffin with the deceased is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession with inscriptions of the artist´s most famous roles pauses by the National Theatre. The procession continues along the Vltava Embankment to Vyšehrad. The segment concludes with footage of the funeral ceremony at Vyšehrad Cemetery.
Segment from the weekly Elekta-journal 1929 No. 39 captures the funeral of painter František Úprka held in Kněždub on 14 September 1929. The funeral procession makes its way through the village towards the local cemetery, where the memorial is held, attended by a priest.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1941 No. 4B captures the funeral of painter Joža Úprka held in Kněždub on 14 January 1940. The segment opens with an archival close-up of Joža Úprka. The following image shows the late Joža Úprka displayed in an open casket surrounded by professional mourners and lit candles. Minister of Public Works Dominik Čipera and Provincial President Jaroslav Caha Syn talk with late Joža Úprka´s son, Jan. The final farewell begins in the courtyard of the family house. The funeral procession moves through the village. Úprka´s family walks behind the coffin. This is followed by a religious ceremony at the cemetery in Kněždub, attended by, among others, a number of German officers. The segment is concluded with the lowering of the coffin into the aritst´s grave.
A segment from the funeral of poet Adolf Heyduk begins with archival footage of the town of Písek, where Heyduk lived and worked for more than 20 years until his death on 6 February 1923. The genre images depict the Otava River, the Wenceslaus suburb, the Great Square, Charles Street, the bustle at the riverside Military Swimming Pool, Aleš Square with a credit union building, the dean´s church at Bakaláře, and the remains of the town walls by the Putim Gate. Adolf Heyduk walks with friends by the Schrenek Pavillion in Palacký Park. A portrait of Adolf Heyduk painted by Jan Skalický. The first part of the final farewell takes place in Písek on 8 February 1923. The funeral procession sets out from the town hall on Great Square towards the railway station, from where the remains of the late poet will be transported to Prague. This is followed by images from the funeral ceremony held in Prague on 10 February. The funeral procession moves across Wenceslaus Square towards Heyduk´s final resting place in Vyšehrad Cemetery.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1943 No. 23B captures the funeral of poet, playwright and writer František Xaver Svoboda held in Prague on 28 May 1943. Mourners come out of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vyšehrad. Image of the inscription "Pax vobis" at Vyšehrad Cemetery. The funeral ceremony is attended by a number of church dignitaries. The coffin with the late poet´s remains is carried towards the Slavín Tomb, on the steps of which funeral speeches are delivered by literary critic Miloslav Hýsek and poet František Sekanina. Mourners include Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Adolf Hrubý. The segment is concludes with the interment of the coffin in the national crypt at Slavín, Vyšehrad.
Segment captures the funeral of poet Antonín Sova held in Prague on 20 August 1928. The flag of mourning is raised above the National Museum. The coffin with the deceased is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession makes its way along Vinohrady Street towards Jiří z Poděbrad Square, where the procession ends.
Segment from the weekly Elekta-journal 1929 No. 15 captures the funeral of poet Otokar Březina in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou on 28 March 1929. The coffin with the deceased is loaded onto a hearse in front of the building of the local Sokol branch. The funeral procession includes church dignitaries, Sokol representatives and volunteer firefighters. Minister of Social Welfare Jan Šrámek and literature scholar Miloslav Hýsek are among those present. The funeral procession stops in front of Otokar Březina´s house.
A segment from the Paramount Sound Newsreel 1939 captures the funeral of Catholic poet, teacher and cleric Xaver Dvořák held in Hostivař on 25 November 1939. The funeral procession proceeds towards the local cemetery. The solemn ceremony concludes with the interment of the coffin with the remains of the deceased in his grave.
The segment captures the funeral of politician and Chairman of the Agrarian Party Antonín Švehla held on his farm in Hostivař on 15 December 1933. The coffin with the body of the deceased is loaded onto a horse-drawn hearse. The mourners include President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Senator František Soukup, former Prime Minister František Udržal and Deputy of the National Assembly Rudolf Beran. The memorial event opens with a speech by Prime Minister Jan Malypetr (silent). The funeral procession exits the farm and heads to the Hostivař Cemetery. Mayor of the Czechoslovak Sokol Society Stanislav Bukovský and Senator František Soukup deliver speeches over Švehla´s grave (silent).
Segment of the Československý zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czechoslovak Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1938 No. 18 captures the funeral of politician, former Minister of National Defence and Prime Minister František Udržal held in his native village of Dolní Roveň u Pardubic on 28 April 1938. Images of the mournfully decorated family house. The funeral ceremony opens with speeches by Prime Minister Milan Hodža and Deputy of the National Assembly Rudolf Beran. The mourners include Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Malypetr, Generals Jan Syrový and Ludvík Krejčí, entrepreneur Jan Antonín Baťa and Senator František Soukup. The coffin with the deceased, draped in the national flag, is carried onto a horse-drawn hearse. The funeral procession makes its way through the streets of the village to the local cemetery. A cushion with Udražal´s honours is carried behind the hearse. In addition to his relatives and state officials, the procession includes generals of the Czechoslovak Army, military attaches, Czechoslovak soldiers, church dignitaries and Sokols. Despite the inclement weather, the streets are lined with crowds of onlookers. At the cemetery, the coffin is lowered into a grave. A plane flies past the church tower. The segment closes with an image of Udržal´s family tomb.
The segment captures the funeral of Senator of the National Assembly Gustav Habrman held in Pilsen on 26 March 1932. The funeral procession comes out of the Peklo Workers´ House and sets out along Jungmannova Street, past the building of the Pilsen Electricity Company. The camera focuses on Kramář Park and the crowds of onlookers in the streets. The procession continues through the streets of the city, across Wilson Bridge and towards the crematorium in Doubravka.
Segment of the Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Newsreel) 1937 No. 1 captures the funeral of politician and journalist Jan Herben held in Prague on 29 December 1936. The funeral procession makes its way through the streets of the city. Literature historian Miloslav Hýsek, theatre director Jaroslav Kvapil and a number of university dignitaries walk behind the coffin. The procession stops at Olšany Cemetery, where the coffin with the late Jan Herben is interred in his grave.
The segment captures the funeral of Minister of Social Welfare Josef Gruber held in Prague on 7 May 1925. The flag of mourning is raised above the National Museum. The coffin with the late minister is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession is led by university and church dignitaries. The procession continues across Wenceslaus Square to Charles Square, passing the building of the General Teaching Hospital on Vyšehradská Street. The segment ends with an image of Vyšehrad Cemetery and funeral wreaths by the cemetery arcades.
Special issue of the Československý zvukový týdeník (Czechoslovak Sound Newsreel) No. 39 from 1937 captures the final farewell with the first Czechoslovak President T. G. Masaryk held in Prague on 21 September 1937. Shot of the mournfully decorated castle courtyard with the coffin draped in the national flag. President E. Beneš delivers a speech over the coffin (original sound). The grand funeral procession makes its way through Prague to Wilson Railway Station. It is led by the Inspector General of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces, General Jan Syrový, on horseback. The late president´s son Jan Masaryk, grandsons Leonard and Herbert Revilliod, E. Beneš and representatives of the Czechoslovak government walk behind the coffin. The funeral procession stops in front of the Wilson Railway Station. This is followed by a parade of troops in front of the coffin, attended by the family, diplomats, French Prime Minister Léon Blum and others. The coffin is then carried through the station building and loaded onto the platform of a special train dispatched to Lány. The train departs, mourners are along the track. The coffin is interred at the local cemetery in Lány.
A segment from Degl´s Production Company captures the funeral of the Beouronese Prior Ildefons Liechtenstein held in Prague on 18 April 1931. Monks carry the coffin out of the Emmaus Monastery. The funeral procession walks along Vyšehrad Street.
Segment from the Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Film Weekly Newsreel) 1937 No. 23 captures the funeral of politician Karel Kramář held in Prague on 29 May 1937. The coffin draped in the national flag is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession includes Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Malypetr, Senator František Soukup and Prime Minister Milan Hodža. The procession ends by the Orthodox Chapel of the Dormition at Olšany Cemetery, which Karel Kramář and his wife Nadezhda Nikolayevna were instrumental in building.
A segment produced by the Excelsiorfilm-Praha company captures the funeral of Eduard Vojan, an actor of the National Theatre, which took place in Prague on 3 June 1920. The camera captures crowds of mourners on National Street. The funeral procession with Eduard Vojan´s coffin sets off from the National Theatre towards the Vinohrady Cemetery. The route is lined by a dense crowd of onlookers.
Segment from the weekly Deglův žurnál (Degl´s Journal) 1928 No. 43 captures the ruins of the Jakesch department store on the corner of Biskupská and Na Poříčí Streets in Prague. The almost finished building collapsed on 9 October 1928. Forty-six workers and casual passers-by were buried under the rubble.The funeral of the victims was held in Prague on 16 October. It was attended by almost 100,000 people. The commemoration was opened with a speech by the Mayor of the City of Prague, Karel Baxa (silent). The camera follows the funeral procession through Prague. The segment concludes with footage of the debris of the building being cleared.
Unedited film footage shot in the streets of Pardubice after an allied air raid on 22 July 1944. People are clearing the debris of buildings. Rescued pieces of furniture and other furnishings are loaded onto trucks. Two men carry a child´s coffin towards a hearse. A mass commemorative ceremony for the victims of the air raid is held on Pernštýn Square on 25 July. The bereaved gather by the displayed coffins at the site of the commemoration. Local official Adolf Želízko delivers a funeral speech.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1945 No.10 captures the mass funeral of the victims of the air strike carried out over Prague on 14 February 1945, which was held on Peace Square in Prague-Vinohrady on 18 February 1945 and attended by members of the Protectorate Government and Reich Chancellor Augustin Popelka. 150 coffins with the victims are on display in the Church of St. Ludmila. (The air strike killed 701, and more than 80 people were missing.) A guard of honour with torches consisted of officials of the Board of Trustees for the Education of Youth. The funeral gathering is opened by the Mayor of Prague Alois Říha, who bids farewell to the victims on behalf of the City of Prague. Prime Minister of the Protectorate Government Richard Bienert speaks on behalf of President Emil Hácha. Minister of Economy and Labour Walter Bertsch lays down a wreath from Reich Protector Wilhelm Frick. Prime Minister of the Protectorate Government Richard Bienert and Reich Chancellor Augustin Popelka lay down a wreath on behalf of the Protectorate Government and President Emil Hácha. The Mayor of Prague Alois Říha and his Secretary Josef Pfitzner arrive to lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Prague.
Segment of the Československý filmový týdeník (Czechoslovak Newsreel) 1934 No. 3 captures the funeral of thirteen victims of the Nelson mine disaster in Osek u Duchcova on 8 January 1934. The explosion at the Nelson III coalmine in the town of Osek in North Bohemia occurred on 3 January 1934. The explosion affected the entire mine and destroyed the adjacent operational buildings. 144 people lost their lives in the explosion. The segment captures the final farewell with the first 13 miners, which took place in the Cistercian Monastery in Osek and was attended by 50,000 people. Images of the crowd of the bereaved by the coffins. After the funeral ceremonies, the funeral procession makes its way through the streets of the town. In the early evening, the coffins with the victims´ remains are interred in graves at the Osek cemetery.
The segment captures the funeral of theatre director František Neumann held in Brno on 27 February 1929. The coffin is carried out of the building of the Mahen Theatre and loaded onto a horse-drawn hearse. The funeral procession moves along the streets of Brno towards the railway station, where the coffin is placed in a special funeral carriage. The train leaves for Prostějov, Neumann´s final resting place. The footage includes two versions of the film capturing the same event.
Segment from the weekly Deglův žurnál (Degl´s Journal) 1928 No. 15 captures the funeral of the theatre actor Vendelín Budil held in Pilsen on 29 March 1928. The coffin is carried out of the Church of St. Bartholomew on Republic Square. The funeral procession makes its way through the city, stopping in front of the Tyl Theatre, where mourners deliver their speeches. Footage of the speech given by actor Alois Charvát (silent). The mourners include the late actor´s wife Krescencie Budilová and actors Jiří Steimar, Anna Steimarová and Rudolf Deyl Sr. Mourners arrive at the cemetery. The funeral ceremony will continue with the interment of the remains of the late Vendelín Budil in the family tomb at Olšany Cemetery in Prague.
Segment from the weekly Deglův žurnál (Degl´s Journal) 1929 No. 38 captures the funeral of Antonín Selnar, Jaroslav Böll and Jaroslav Pekárek, airmen of the 1st Regiment of T. G. Masaryk, who died a tragic death during a military exercise near Přední Chlum on 5 September 1929. The funeral ceremony was held on Charles Square in Prague on 10 September 1929. The coffins with the deceased are carried out of the building of the General Hospital and transported on aircraft fuselages along Ječná Street towards I. P. Pavlov Square. The segment includes bird´s-eye views of the crowded streets of Prague.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1940 No. 52 captures the funeral of violinist Jan Kubelík held at Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague on 10 December 1940. The coffin with the musician´s remains is carried out of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The funeral procession is led by the late conductor´s son Rafael Kubelík and other family members. The funeral is attended by Minister of Education and National Enlightenment Jan Kapras and Chairman of the National Society Josef Nebeský. The ceremony continues with funeral speeches in front of the Slavín Tomb. After the ceremony, the coffin is lowered into the Slavín Tomb.
The segment captures the funeral of writer Alois Jirásek held in Prague on 16 March 1930. Crowds stream to the Pantheon of the National Museum, where the coffin containing the late writer´s remains is displayed. A car carrying President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk arrives at the National Museum. In the upper part of Wenceslaus Square, a monumental cenotaph is erected and passed by a number of commemorative processions, Sokols, soldiers, legionnaires, and members of political parties and various associations. Officials of the Czechoslovak Sokol Society carry the coffin with the deceased from the Pantheon of the National Museum. University dignitaries and distinguished Czech writers walk behind the coffin. The event is also attended by the guard of honour of the Vysoké Mýto 30th Infantry Regiment of Alois Jirásek. Prominent politicians present at the ceremony. The segment concludes with a view of the urn containing the writer´s remains in a car heading to the late writer´s final resting place in his native Hronov.
Segment from the weekly Elekta-journal 1929 No. 5 captures the funeral of writer František Herites held in Prague on 22 January 1929. The flag of mourning is raised above the National Museum. The coffin with the deceased is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession, which includes church dignitaries and Sokol representatives, heads to the Main Railway Station, from where the coffin will be transported to Vodňany to be interred in the family tomb.
A segment from the Elektajournal Production Company captures the funeral of writer Josef Holeček held in Prague on 9 March 1929. The coffin is carried out of the Pantheon of the National Museum. The funeral procession with a horse-drawn hearse makes its way along Vinohrady Street towards the final resting place at Vinohrady Cemetery.
Segment of the Československý zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czechoslovak Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1939 No. 1 caputres the funeral of writer Karel Čapek at Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague on 29 December 1938. The coffin with the deceased is carried out of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and across the cemetery to the grave. Theatre director Vojta Novák delivers a speech at the grave. The coffin is lowered into the grave. The mourners include Karel Čapek´s widow, actress and writer Olga Scheinpflugová, his brother-in law, journalist Karel Scheinpflug, writer Ferdinand Peroutka, Karel Čapek´s brother, painter and writer Josef Čapek, actor Hugo Haas, poet and theatre critic Hanuš Jelínek, poet Josef Hora, sociologist Miloslav Disman and others. The segment conludes with the Czech anthem.
The segment captures the funeral of writer Karel Matěj Čapek-Chod held in Prague on 7 November 1927. The funeral procession sets out from the National Museum and continues along Vinohradská Street towards Olšany Cemetery. General Rudolf Medek is among the mourners.
The segment captures the reverential act of depositing the remains of forty-two Italian legionnaires who were executed for deserting from the Austrian army to join the Italian legions in the summer of 1918. The coffins with their bodies were temporarily placed at the military cemetery in Milovice and later unearthed and transported to Prague, where a day-long funeral ceremony was held on 24 April 1921. The camera focuses on military troops lined up on Old Town Square and Italian and Czechoslovak officers. The ceremony is witnessed by Minister of National Defence Otakar Husák and the General Inspector of the Czechoslovak Army, the poet Josef Svatopluk Machar. Shots of speeches given by Josef Rotnágl, a member of the Revolutionary National Assembly, and General Otakar Husák, who delivers a message from the President of Czechoslovakia (silent). This is followed by speeches given by the Senator of the National Assembly, Václav Klofáč, Deputy of the National Assembly František Udržal, and the President of the Italian-Czechoslovak League, Prince Pietro Lanza di Scalea, whose speech is interpreted by diplomat Jan Šeba. Shot of the commander of the funeral procession, General Karel Voženílek, on horseback. General Otakar Husák and Josef Svatopluk Machar receive Italian military honours. After the solemn ceremony on Old Town Square, the coffins with the remains of the executed legionnaires were taken to the military burial ground at Olšany Cemetery.
Segment of the Český zvukový týdeník Aktualita (Czech Aktualita Sound Newsreel) 1939 No. 20 captures the solemn event of the interment of the remains of poet Karel Hynek Mácha at Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague on 7 May 1939. Mourners walk past the coffin with the poet´s remains in the Pantheon of the National Museum. The large funeral procession starts on Wenceslaus Square and continues along National Street, Masaryk Embankment and narrow alleys to Vyšehrad. The streets are lined with crowds of people. The film footage is accompanied by the recitation of the fourth canto of the poem May delivered by Václav Vydra Jr., an actor of the National Theatre. This is followed by images from the solemn ceremony in the Slavín Tomb at Vyšehrad Cemetery. The coffin with the poet´s remains is lowered into the grave. Rudolf Medek bids farewell to Mácha on the behalf of Czech writers. Actor Eduard Kohout recites 7 May 1939, a poem by Josef Hora. People walk past the grave, placing flowers on it, some crossing themselves. The mourners include composer Vítězslav Novák, painter Max Švabinský, Minister of Education and National Enlightenment Jan Kapras and the Mayor of Prague Otakar Klapka.
Segment from Czechoslovak Aktualita Sound Newsreel 1942, issue no. 24, captures the memorial ceremony for Acting Reich Protector Heydrich held in Prague on 7Ï8 June. The camera follows a night-time funeral procession across Charles Bridge. SS officers carry the coffin draped in the Nazi flag. The procession is illuminated with burning torches. The following footage shows a bier with Heydrich´s coffin in the first quadrangle of Prague Castle. The surroundings are decorated with eternal flames, Nazi flags and SS flags. A view of Heydrich´s military decorations and the guard of honour, made up of SS soldiers. The ceremony at Prague Castle continues with a speech by the newly appointed Acting Reich Protector Daluege (silent). The event is attended by Reichsführer of the SS Himmler, State President Hácha, and members of the Protectorate Government. The funeral procession with the coffin, organised as a military parade, moves along Mostecká Street in Prague´s Lesser Town. The procession includes members of the Protectorate Government and continues across Charles Bridge, along Smetana Quay, National Avenue, and through the Wenceslas Square towards Prague Main Railway Station, where the coffin is loaded onto a train. The segment concludes with the train departing for Berlin.